Fire Risk Assessments & Fire Safety Solutions

Latest News

Staying Safe in the Heat: How to Prevent Fires During Hot Weather in the UK

Staying Safe in the Heat: How to Prevent Fires During Hot Weather in the UK

As temperatures across the UK continue to rise, so does the risk of fires — both in our homes and in the wider environment. Prolonged hot and dry spells create conditions where fires can start more easily and spread far more quickly than usual. Whether you're at home, in the garden, or out and about, here's what you need to know to stay safe this summer.

Why Heat Increases Fire Risk

High temperatures dry out vegetation, materials, and surfaces that would normally contain some moisture. This makes them far more flammable. Combined with strong winds and low humidity, a small spark can quickly become a serious blaze. The UK has seen a significant increase in grass fires, wildfires, and home fires during recent heatwaves — and fire services across the country urge extra caution during these periods.

At Home

In the Kitchen

Never leave cooking unattended, especially on the hob — heat makes oils and fats reach ignition point faster than usual
Keep kitchen windows open where possible to reduce heat buildup
Avoid using the oven during the hottest parts of the day if you can

Electrical Appliances

Don't overload plug sockets — appliances generate more heat in already warm conditions
Unplug appliances that aren't in use, especially overnight
Make sure tumble dryers and washing machines have proper ventilation — these are a leading cause of house fires year-round, and heat makes them more dangerous
Never charge phones, laptops, or e-bikes/e-scooters unattended or overnight

General Home Safety

Test your smoke alarms — this is a good habit at any time of year but especially important now
Keep flammable materials like curtains, paper, and fabrics away from windows where sunlight can concentrate heat
Be careful with candles — never leave them burning unattended and keep them away from direct sunlight

In the Garden

Avoid bonfires and burning garden waste during hot, dry, or windy conditions — fire can spread to fences, sheds, and neighbouring properties incredibly quickly
BBQs need extra care — only use them on a stable, non-flammable surface, never leave them unattended, and make sure they are fully extinguished afterwards. Never use a BBQ indoors or in a garage
Keep garden furniture and trampolines away from the house where possible — they can act as fuel if a fire starts nearby
Store petrol, gas canisters, and lighter fluid safely away from heat sources and direct sunlight

In Open Spaces

Never have a BBQ or open fire on grassland, in woods, or in parks during dry weather
Don't discard cigarettes from car windows or drop them on dry ground — this is one of the most common causes of grass fires
Broken glass and bottles left in sunny spots can act as a magnifying glass and start fires — dispose of them responsibly
If you see a wildfire or grass fire, call 999 immediately — do not attempt to tackle it yourself

In Your Car

Aerosols, lighters, and hand sanitiser left in a hot car can become a fire hazard — remove them or store them safely
Check your tyres — underinflated tyres can overheat on hot road surfaces

What to Do If a Fire Starts

Get everyone out immediately — don't stop to collect belongings
Close doors behind you to slow the spread of fire
Call 999 as soon as you are safely outside
Never go back into a burning building
If smoke is present, stay low where the air is cleaner

A Final Word

A little extra caution during hot weather goes a long way. Fires can start in seconds but the consequences can last a lifetime. Make sure your smoke alarms are working, talk to your family about what to do in an emergency, and be mindful of the extra risks that come with high temperatures.

If you'd like advice on fire safety assessments, fire prevention, or equipment for your home or business, get in touch with our team today Contact Us - Whale Fire

Testimonials

To date, Whale Fire have carried out fire safety risk assessments at a number of our premises in central London and also at Gatwick, Southend and Bristol Airports. Richard provides us with a prompt, reliable and efficient service and I would be happy to recommend his services.

MoneyCorp - Ian Silverstone - Facilities & Premises Manager

Whale Fire completed a fire risk assessment and extinguisher installation on our training centre in Southwark. I found their service to be prompt and efficient as well as aware of the needs and restrictions of our site. They were quick to respond to our needs, despite delays from our end, the service was friendly throughout and they replaced only the necessary equipment. The risk assessment itself was detailed and has formed a large part of our on going risk assessments for the site. Construction Youth Trust will unquestionably use Whale Fire again.

Construction Youth Trust - George Dunstall - London & South East Manager

We used Whale Fire for our Fire Risk Assessment and their service was excellent. They took time to understand our business and explained the reasoning behind their recommendations. We will be using Whale Fire again and highly recommend them.

Alfra TV – Helen

Whale Fire Ltd has provided EastendHomes Ltd with a comprehensive batch of Fire Risk Assessments. Each assessment is unique and is site specific. Whale Fire Ltd has worked tirelessly to work within our deadlines offering valuable critic on document layout and fire safety matters. The Fire Risk Assessments are evaluated by our scrutiny panel – which we receive positive feedback. I feel Richard (Whale) is always there to discuss and advise on any matters relating to the Fire Risk Assessments and other fire related issues. His service has been professional and supportive. We are committed to ensure our residents are safe, and that we comply to the RRO(FS) 2005, and with Whale Fire's assistance this is being achieved.

East End Homes (Tower Hamlets) - Keiron Carroll - Housing Officer

We called Whale Fire after having used them for some Fire risk assessments to look at aspects of our testing and extinguishers and found them very professional and helpful with information on Fire alarms and how to test call points etc.

I would recommend them anytime.

Mark Rudling H&S Manager Wilcomatic.

The service from Whale Fire was professional, efficient and thorough. Great value for money for a well qualified and high quality Fire Risk Assessment. Our needs and considerations were taken into account and the assessor conducted a detailed and fair survey without disrupting the day-to-day work of the office. Highly recommended as a professional company.

Amy Johnson - Spectrum Enforcement Support Officer - Ofcom

I required the services of a professional assessor for a fire risk assessment on a new property for use as my private fitness facility. Richard was the first personal to contact me and his professionalism right from the start was excellent. He assisted me step by step through the process and has answered all questions relating to the procedure. Extremely professional - Thank you

Joel – Performance 18 Gym - NW London

Whale Fire are currently carrying out fire risk assessments across our residential portfolio. The reports are all site specific, easy to read and provide clear recommendations when further action is required. Richard (Whale) is both friendly and professional, and always happy to provide further advice when needed. I would not hesitate to recommend his company - they provide clarity and reassurance in a potential minefield for residential landlords.

Anna Nicholls - Marston Properties

We are extremely happy with the service provided by Whale Fire, and in particular the Fire Risk Assessment we were presented with. The service from start to finish has been exemplary and on a professional, knowledgeable, yet friendly level. We requested our Assessment at very short notice and Whale Fire were more than happy to fulfil our request and presented us with an exceptional report which was detailed and clear to understand. We would highly recommend Whale Fire and will be using their services in future".

Stacey – Scaffold UK Limited

Whale Fire were bought in to do a fire risk assessment on our new warehouse. The gentleman that visited our site was professional and most importantly very informative in everything he was explaining.

This helped greatly in guiding us in taking step to ensure our workers are safe. 10/10 - Would use again. Thank you for all the help Richard.

Luke